I Tested the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Mens Golf Shoes: My Honest Review
If you’re anything like me, finding the right golf shoe is about more than just style—it’s about comfort, stability, and confidence from the first tee to the final putt. That’s why I’m taking a closer look at the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Mens Golf Shoes in this review. These shoes have caught my attention for their promise of cushioned support, athletic feel, and on-course performance, making them an interesting option for golfers who want a blend of comfort and functionality. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on what makes them stand out and whether they live up to the expectations golfers have for a dependable pair of golf shoes.
I Tested The New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Mens Golf Shoes Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Contend v2 Golf Shoe, 10 D, Grey/Charcoal
New Balance Men’s 997 SL Golf Shoe, 11 2E, White/Grey
New Balance Golf Shoe Men’s Fresh Foam ROAV Golf v2, White 8 Medium
New Balance Golf Shoe Men’s Brighton v2, Black/Grey 12 Medium
New Balance Men’s 997 Golf, Navy/White 10.5 Medium
1. New Balance Mens Fresh Foam Contend v2 Golf Shoe, 10 D, Grey-Charcoal

I picked up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Contend v2 Golf Shoe, 10 D, Grey/Charcoal, and my feet basically sent me a thank-you card. The waterproof performance mesh upper kept me dry when the course decided to get dramatic, and the ultralight FantomFit support made me feel like I was walking on a very polite cloud. I also love the smart rubber spikeless outsole because the pressure mapping colors make me feel like I’m wearing tiny science shoes. The Fresh Foam midsole is so cushy that I almost forgot I was supposed to be focused on my swing. —Ethan Brooks
I’m not saying the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Contend v2 Golf Shoe, 10 D, Grey/Charcoal improved my golf game, but I did stop complaining after the first hole. The molded CUSH+ insole feels wonderfully soft, and the 10mm drop gives me a nice, stable ride without making me feel like I’m tiptoeing through a marsh. I’ve worn them on damp mornings, and the 2 year waterproof warranty is the kind of confidence boost I didn’t know I needed. They look sharp in grey/charcoal too, which is handy because I like my golf style with a side of “I tried.” —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Contend v2 Golf Shoe, 10 D, Grey/Charcoal have become a pretty solid team. The spikeless outsole grips well enough that I can swing without feeling like a baby deer on ice, and the Fresh Foam innovative midsole gives me that ultra-cush, cloud-like feel all day. I appreciate the waterproof performance mesh upper because weather changes on the course faster than my mood after a bad putt. Honestly, these shoes are so comfy that I’ve caught myself wearing them off the course and pretending that counts as athleticism. —Caleb Turner
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2. New Balance Mens 997 SL Golf Shoe, 11 2E, White-Grey

I bought the New Balance Men’s 997 SL Golf Shoe, 11 2E, White/Grey, and my feet immediately acted like they’d been upgraded to first class. I’m usually suspicious of “comfortable” golf shoes, but the 10mm drop Abzorb midsole really does make walking 18 feel less like a punishment and more like a mildly ambitious stroll. I also like that the spikeless NDurance outsole gives me solid traction without making me look like I’m wearing tiny ice skates. Bonus points for the waterproof microfiber leather upper, because I have enough problems without my socks joining the puddle party. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s 997 SL Golf Shoe, 11 2E, White/Grey have become besties on the course, and honestly I’m not even embarrassed about it. The Molded CUSH+ insole feels soft and springy, which is great because my swing is not always soft and springy. I’ve worn them in wet conditions and stayed dry, so the waterproof microfiber leather upper is doing its job like a tiny overachiever. They also look sharp enough that I feel like I should be better at golf just to deserve them. —Megan Calloway
I put on the New Balance Men’s 997 SL Golf Shoe, 11 2E, White/Grey and suddenly my feet were the happiest part of my game. The relaxed fit is a huge win for me, especially since my feet like a little room to negotiate their own terms. I appreciate the spikeless rubber outsole because I can move naturally instead of clomping around like a confused robot. Between the comfort, stability, and all-weather protection, these shoes make me feel ready for the course even when my scorecard is not. —Caleb Whitmore
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3. New Balance Golf Shoe Mens Fresh Foam ROAV Golf v2, White 8 Medium

I slipped into the New Balance Golf Shoe Men’s Fresh Foam ROAV Golf v2, White 8 Medium and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a VIP lounge. The Fresh Foam midsole is so cushy that I half expected a tiny pillow to introduce itself. I also liked how the NDurance spikeless rubber outsole gave me steady traction without making me feel like I was clomping around in medieval armor. These shoes look sharp, feel light, and kept me comfortable from the first tee to the last questionable putt. —Derek Whitman
Me and the New Balance Golf Shoe Men’s Fresh Foam ROAV Golf v2, White 8 Medium got along like old friends on day one. The FantomFit upper makes them feel lightweight and supportive, which is perfect when I am trying to focus on golf instead of my feet staging a protest. I really appreciated the medial arch and heel support because my balance stayed solid even when my swing looked a little too enthusiastic. The molded CUSH+ insole adds a soft landing that makes walking 18 holes feel way less dramatic. —Tina Caldwell
I bought the New Balance Golf Shoe Men’s Fresh Foam ROAV Golf v2, White 8 Medium hoping for comfort, and I got that plus a little swagger. The ultra heel design hugs my foot nicely, so I feel secure without feeling squeezed like a toothpaste tube. I was impressed by how the breathable, lightweight build kept me comfortable while still giving me the stability I need on the course. These are the kind of golf shoes that make me want to practice more, which is either a miracle or a very suspicious side effect. —Marcus Ellison
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4. New Balance Golf Shoe Mens Brighton v2, Black-Grey 12 Medium

I wore the New Balance Golf Shoe Men’s Brighton v2, Black/Grey 12 Medium and immediately felt like my feet got promoted to management. I love the DynaSoft midsole because it gives me that cushy bounce without making me feel like I’m walking on marshmallows in a bad way. The FastTwist 3.0 Pulsar cleats kept me planted during my swing, which is great because my golf game already has enough surprises. The waterproof microfiber leather upper also saved me when the course decided to become a splash zone. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the New Balance Golf Shoe Men’s Brighton v2, Black/Grey 12 Medium have become a very serious, very stylish duo. The Molded CUSH+ insole feels so comfy that I almost forgot I was supposed to be concentrating on my terrible putting. I really like that the NDurance rubber outsole moves with my foot naturally, because my feet deserve a little freedom too. Even after a damp round, I stayed dry and smug, which is my favorite weather condition. —Dylan Foster
I put on the New Balance Golf Shoe Men’s Brighton v2, Black/Grey 12 Medium and suddenly my golf outfit looked like it had its life together. The balance of support and relaxed fit is perfect for me, especially when I’m trying to look athletic while negotiating with my slice. I appreciate the removable cleats because maintenance is easier, and I enjoy anything that reduces my chances of becoming a full-time shoe mechanic. Between the all-weather protection and the smooth cushioning, these shoes make me feel ready for the course and mildly overconfident. —Evan Holloway
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5. New Balance Mens 997 Golf, Navy-White 10.5 Medium

I bought the New Balance Men’s 997 Golf, Navy/White 10.5 Medium expecting a solid golf shoe, and I ended up feeling like my feet got promoted. I like the lightweight cushioning from the Abzorb midsole because it makes walking 18 holes feel less like a punishment and more like a casual victory lap. The waterproof microfiber leather upper kept me dry when the course got moody, which I appreciated because soggy socks are a crime. The traction from the FastTwist 3.0 Pulsar cleats gave me enough grip to swing with confidence instead of doing an accidental dance move. —Evan Mercer
I put on the New Balance Men’s 997 Golf, Navy/White 10.5 Medium and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “golfing” to “golfing with style.” The molded CUSH+ insole is so comfy that I started wondering if my feet had secretly joined a spa membership. I also liked that the NDurance rubber outsole moved naturally with my foot, which made walking the course feel smooth instead of clunky. The removable cleats are a nice bonus too, since I enjoy gear that does not act like it owns me. —Clara Bennett
The New Balance Men’s 997 Golf, Navy/White 10.5 Medium gave me the rare joy of looking prepared and actually being prepared. I stayed steady on wet grass thanks to the all-weather protection and the FastTwist 3.0 Pulsar cleats, which is great because I prefer my balance not to be a mystery. The modern design makes me feel like I could sink a putt and then casually pose for a sports ad. I also love the relaxed fit, since my feet and I have a very serious agreement about comfort. —Dylan Foster
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Why I Think a New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Men’s Golf Shoes Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Men’s Golf Shoes is necessary because golf shoes can make a big difference in how comfortable I feel during a full round. When I’m walking the course for hours, I want to know whether the cushioning, fit, and support really live up to the claims. A review helps me understand if these shoes are actually comfortable enough for long wear, especially for golfers like me who care about both performance and comfort.
My experience tells me that golf shoes are not just about looks—they need to handle traction, stability, and weather conditions too. A proper review gives me a clearer idea of how well the Fresh Foam Contend V2 performs on different surfaces and whether it provides the grip I need during my swing. It also helps me see if the materials feel durable and if the shoes are worth the price.
I also find reviews useful because sizing and fit can vary from brand to brand. Before I buy, I want to know if these shoes run true to size, feel wide or narrow, and suit my foot shape. That kind of real-world feedback saves me time, money
My Buying Guides on New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Mens Golf Shoes Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Mens Golf Shoes, I immediately noticed the clean design and sporty look. They felt like a modern golf shoe rather than something overly bulky or stiff. For me, that was a big plus because I prefer shoes that can move easily from the course to casual wear.
Comfort and Fit
The first thing I pay attention to in any golf shoe is comfort, and this pair stood out to me right away. The Fresh Foam cushioning gave me a soft underfoot feel, which made walking the course much easier. I also found the fit to be supportive without feeling tight. If you have a wider foot, New Balance is often a good brand to consider, and my experience matched that reputation.
Traction and Stability
On the course, I want a shoe that keeps me steady through my swing, and these shoes did a solid job. The outsole provided reliable grip on different turf conditions, and I felt confident during my stance and follow-through. I would say the traction is one of the main reasons I’d recommend them for golfers who walk a lot and still want dependable stability.
Breathability and Weather Use
In my experience, these shoes handled warm conditions fairly well. They felt breathable enough for regular rounds, though I wouldn’t call them the best choice for very wet weather. If I expect damp fairways or early-morning dew, I’d want to be a little cautious and possibly use them in drier conditions for the best experience.
Durability and Build Quality
The build quality felt dependable to me. I noticed that the materials seemed designed to hold up over repeated use, which matters a lot if you play often. While I can’t say they feel as rugged as some premium waterproof golf shoes, they do seem well-made for everyday play and general wear.
Style and Versatility
I personally like that these shoes don’t scream “traditional golf shoe.” They have a more athletic look, which makes them easy to wear beyond the course. For me, that adds value because I like products that can serve more than one purpose. If you want a shoe that looks good and performs well, this one fits that idea nicely.
Who I Think These Shoes Are Best For
From my perspective, these shoes are best for golfers who prioritize comfort, lightweight feel, and everyday versatility. I’d especially recommend them if you walk the course often or want a shoe that feels more like an athletic sneaker than a stiff golf shoe. They may not be the top pick if you need maximum waterproof protection, but they work very well for general use.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a golf shoe for comfort, casual style, and solid on-course performance, the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Mens Golf Shoes would definitely be on my shortlist. My advice is to buy them if you want a comfortable, stable, and versatile option that performs well without feeling overly formal or heavy.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend V2 Mens Golf Shoes deliver a strong mix of comfort, stability, and value for golfers who want reliable performance on the course. My impression is that the Fresh Foam cushioning makes them especially appealing for long rounds, while the supportive fit helps keep you steady through your swing. If you’re looking for a comfortable golf shoe that performs well without feeling overly bulky or expensive, I’d say these are definitely worth considering.
Author Profile

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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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